Garment clasp



May 17,1949. A A. was 2,470,122

GARMENT CLASP Filed May `19, 1945 INVENTOR.

ARTHUR IS.

BY XM1 Q,

ATTORNEY.

Patented May 17, 1949 UNITED STATES FAT-NT OFFICE GARMENT CLASP Arthur Weis, Chicago, Ill.

Application May 19, 1945, Serial No. 594,759

(Cl. ,Z4-248) Claims.

This invention relates to garment clasps and more particularly to stocking garter clasps, although certain features thereof may be employed with equal advantage for other purposes.

It contemplates more especially the provision of an improved garment clasp which has extended engaging members to grasp a substantial number of threads in a garment such as stockings in order to avoid runs therein.

Numerous types of clasps have heretofore been proposed in connection with garment supports, but these have not proven entirely satisfactory in that they are either possessed of too much bulk or engage only a comparatively few threads of the garment to the end of creating runs in delicate fabrics such as silk stockings. Such garment clasps as have heretofore been designed for this purpose are either too expensive in construction or do not permit the fullest use of plastic material in their construction or involve metallic parts that are not sufficiently durable with plastic material elements to constitute an advantageously constructed and effective garment clasp.

In devices of this character, it is desirable that l there be-minimum clasp body to avoid detection from external view, afford maximum comfort to the wearer, and effectively grasp a. comparatively large number of threads in each garment for support without any possible impairment such as runs which are common in silk stockings. Plastic material lends itself very well to such devices from an appearance and comfort standpoint, but the inherent Weakness of plastic material in small thin bodies such as clasps, constitutes limitations upon the construction thereof and elements assembled in conjunction therewith. To avoid the defects of known garment supporting clasps, a comparatively small, compact, and improved garment clasp has been provided for effectively grasping fabrics without impairment thereto, and which lends itself to moulding or other methods of production from plastic material as to the major elements thereof.

One object of the present invention is to simplify the construction and improve the operation of devices of the character mentioned.

Another object is to provide improved garment clasps having extended complemental members that more effectively engage a comparatively large number of threads in a garment and are capable of durable plastic material construction.

Still another object is to provide a comparatively thin plastic clamping member corresponding with the contour of the human leg and pro-A viding an elongated engaging edge to serve as a f ad complement for a plastic clip mounted in yielding engagement therewith to effect the grasp of a comparatively large number of threads of a garment therebetween.

A further object is to provide a pair of confronting elongated arcuate complemental engaging members that are operatively connected by means of improved toggle spring members to effect their detachable engagement with a fabric therebetween.

A still further object is to provide a pair of compleinental engaging members that have elongated engaging edges formed from suitable plastic material to provide a light, comparatively lsmall and inexpensive clasp with effective toggle spring elements to support a garment by a comparatively large number of threads thereof.

Still a further object is to provide arcuately curved elongated engaging edges on complemental members of a clip for joinder by outwardly bowed strips for effective detachable engagement of a fabric through the medium of improved toggle operated clasping members.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following description of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a front view in elevation of a garment clasp shown and illustrated in connection with a human limb and fabric stocking lto show the manner of support thereof.

Figure 2 is a front view in elevation of a garment clasp embodying Ifeatures of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a side view in elevation of the gar,- ment clasp shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is an end view in elevation of a garment clasp shown in Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a rear view in elevation of the garment clasp shown in Figure 2.

Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line VI--VI of Figure 2.

Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional view similar to Figure 6 taken substantially along line VII-VII of Figures 4 and 5 with the clip member shownin a position ready for engaging fabric such as a fabric stocking top therewith.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary enlarged front view in elevation of the back plate member shown in Figures 2 and 5.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of the plate member taken substantially along line iX-IX of Figure 8.

Figure 10 is a detail edge view of the clip actuprises a comparatively thin plate member Il) that is arcuately shaped to generally correspond with the curvature of the human leg or thigh II so as to conform for contact therewith. The plate member Il) is, in this instance, vertically elongated to provide a -comparatively narrow horizontal upper portion I2 having its side edges I3 and I4 slightly curved and divergent downwardly to presenta straight upper edge extremity I5. The upper edge extremity I5 has, in this instance, a horizontal slot I6 providedtherein proximate to and communicating with the top edge I5 which is interrupted by a vertical throat (Figure 8) that opens into an enlarged cut-out I8 to provide forl the pivotal movement and displacement of a toggle lever therein as will appear more fully hereinafter.

The upper portion I2 of the plate member Ill is thicker than the remaining lower` portion, to provide suficient body for transversely extending upwardly open cylindrical pin receiving slots |9l42|l that are axially aligned to communicate at their inner ends 2 |-22 with the vertical throat I 'I and are closed at their outer ends 2li-24. The upper thicker portion I2 of the plate member Ill has divergent side edge extending reinforcing ribs-2E1` that project downwardly to merge as at 27 with the lower thinner arcuate portion 28 that is comparatively wider than the upper portion I2.

.',Illielower thinnerand wider plate portion 28 terminates in an arcuately curved extensive lower edge 29, which has an upwardly turned flange defining an arcuate trough 3|. The lower edge 29 is substantially elongated and, in this instance, extends for a distance that will be commensurate with a comparatively large number of interwoven threads from which garments such as stockings 32 are constructed. The comparatively large number of threads will collectively support the garment when properly held in the trough 3| as will appear more fully hereinafter.

While the extent of the trough 3| may vary within a wide range depending upon the garment to be supported, it may approximate one to one and one-half inches (1 to 11/2") to effectively and without impairment grasp delicate hose that are easily subjected to runs responsive to the slightest a-buse. The external edges of the trough 3| dened by the flange 30 and the curved edge 29 thereof are provided with well rounded curves 33 to avoid piercing engagement with the garment fabric and alford the utmost comfort to the wearer. The flange 30 is transversely curved to conform with the general average curvature of the thigh, and is an integral part of the plate or body member Ill. To conform to excessively plump thighs, the transverse curvature of the plate member Ill and especially its lower edge region 28 ,preferably is curved differently than corresponding plate members I0 designed for the average or normal sized thighs should commercial practice so dictate.

In order to frictionally engage and securely hold a closely woven fabric such as a stocking 32 in the trough 3|, a clip member 34 conforms in the general flaring shape of and arcuate contour with the lower portion 2B of the plate member it, and terminates upwardly in a comparatively narrow edge 35 having a backwardly enlarged boss 33 formed thereon (Figure '7) with a vertical slot 31 provided therein to communicate with the upper edge 35. An enlarged opening 33 may be provided. in `the central region of the material requirements thereof. The lower portion of the clip 34 is substantially rectangular to provide a horizontal and backwardly inset arcuate lower edge '40 serving as a complement of the plate member trough 3| for engagement therewith. The clip member 34 with its lower complemental engaging edge lll is actuated and retained in operative position by a toggle lever 4|. The toggle lever `lll has an inverted V-shaped outer surface 42 to provide suihcient body to carry a pin 43 therethrough to provide oppositely extendingand projecting extremities lill-45 serve as a pivotal mount for the lever il on the plate member lil and to pivotally connect with the clip as at 4'6 to serve as'toggle lever members :ifi-ffl.

The pin 46 bridges the slot 3l in the upper edge 35 of the clip 34 for mounting in the boss 33 (Figure 7). This pin extends through an elongated slot 4l' provided in the extremity of one arm 48 which has a. longitudinally extending bore 43 therein (Figure 7) to confine a spring Il@ that abuts against the pin 46 to normally retain it at the outer extremity of the slot 4l. The pin t may ride in the elongated slot el against the u of the spring 4Q which yields to compensate .er the Ythickness of the fabric or garment held in the trough 3| by the clip edge 43. Thus a very effective'grasp of the material in the trough 3i between the plate flange 3G and clip edge 43 is maintained by the toggle action of the clip 34 and its actuator lever 4| whichprecludes any accidental release thereof as will presently appear from a more detailed description of its function.

The other arm 5i! of the toggle lever actuator 4i (Figure 1l) terminates in an enlarged oval extremity 5| having aftransverse slot 52 therein to receive the reinforced end or loop 53 of an elastic garter 54 usually attached to and depending from an undergarment` 55. It should be noted that the toggle lever 4| has semi-circular grooves 55-55 surrounding the pin projections lll-l5 to receive thev complemental semi-circular bosses ill-58 formed around the pin grooves lll-2@ in the plate member I0 adjacent the vertical throat I 'I so that these parts may be intertted and rotatively assembled when the lever 4| is in its extreme counterclockwise position (viewed from Figure 7) relative to the plate member il? which is somewhat further displaced than the normally closed position of the members (Figure 6).

` In this extreme position which is only possible before the clip 3d is assembled with the lever 4|, the semi-circular bosses 51-58 can enter the complemental semi-circular groove 55-56 with the pin projections `i4-415 lodged in the slots itl-20 so that clockwise displacement therebetween (viewed from Figure 7) will retain the parts in assembled association against separation. After this assembly is eected between the lever 4| and the plate member I0, the clip 34 can then be assembled with the toggle lever 4| through the medium of the pin 46 that retains the spring 49 within its confining bore 48. After assembly of the clip 34 with the toggle lever 4|, the former will not permit the latter to be displaced in a counterclockwise direction (viewed from Figure 6) for a sufficient distance to permit the semicircular bosses 51-58 (Figures 8 and 9) to ride out of the complemental arcuate grooves ile-Eil (Figures and 1l). rihis arrangement provides a very simple, inexpensive and effective assembly of the primary complemental elements il), 353, and 4I.

The center of turning i3 of the toggle lever 4l is offset outwardly from the pivotal connection t6 of the toggle lever @l with the clip 3d so that when the latter is closed against the trough 3i with or without the fabric therebetween, the common pivot point bl between the toggle members Sii-li will be disposed inwardly of the load line extending between the pin i3 and the clip engaging trough 3E, thereby precluding their accidental disengagement without first depressing the lever 6l in acloclrwise direc lon (viewed from Figure 7) This opening or disengaging displacement is opposite to the pull exerted on the toggle lever 'il by the garter Bil. The pull exerted by the garter 54 will tend to more securely hold the toggle members ll-34 in effective engagement with the plate member trough 3l.

The plate member lll and clip 34 will effect the uniform grasp of a garment such as stockings 32 and support them through the medium of the garter strap 5ft' that may be a part of an undergarment 55 or a separate garter belt independent of any garment. It will thus be apparent, therefore, that the clip 34 which may be molded or Otherwise shaped from metal, plastic or other suitable material to conform with and assume a position adjacent to the plate member lil to provide a toggle action therewith. In consequence thereof, the clip will be self-locking to hold the fabric 32 in the trough 3l so that it can effectively serve as a support thereof in conjunction with the garter 54.

The self-locking position of the clip 3d is effected by displacing it to its eXtreme position in contact with the plate member lil to cause the spring 59 to yield in a vertical direction for tightly embracing the fabric or that part of the garment 32 which is disposed in the trough 3l. All the structural elements described above may be advantageously produced from a suitable plastic such as nylon, except for the pins i3 and AIt, the spring 49, and the garter 54. This is conducive to a very attractive construction which is light in weight and smooth to the touch, highly sanitary, free from discoloration, readily washable, and inexpensive in construction and assembly.

It will thus be apparent that a very simple, effective and improved supporting garter clasp has been provided which can be used in connection with. the most delicate fabrics for effecting the grasp thereof without impairment thereto.

While I have illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of this invention, it must be understood that the invention is capable of considerable variation and modification without departing from the spirit of the invention. I, therefore, do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth,` but desire to avail myself of such variations and modifications as come within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a garment engaging clasp, the combination with a body member, of a transversell7 extending flange formed on said body member, a toggle actuator lever pivotally connected to said body member, a clamping member associated with said body member, said clamping member having a lower engaging edge to cooperate with said transversely extending flange to yieldingly grasp a garment therebetween, a floating pivotal connection between said toggle lever and clamping member, and spring means associated with said floating pivotal connection to establish yielding engagement of said clamping member engaging edge against said body flange responsive to displacing said toggle actuator lever.

2. In a garment engaging clasp, the combination with e, body member, of a transversely extending flange formed on said body member, a toggle actuator lever pivotally connected to said body member, and a clamping member pivotally connected to said toggle actuator lever, said clamping member having its lower edge in engageable confronting relation with said transversely extending flange, said clamping member and toggle actuator lever having a running pivotal connection, a spring between said toggle lever and pivotal connection to yieldingly urge said clamping member against said transversely extending body member flange to yieldingly grasp a garment therebetween responsive to actuating said toggle lever.

3. In a garment engaging clasp, the combination with an elongated body member, of a transversely extending iiange formed on said body member, a clamping member having a transverse edge confronting said flange for engaging cooperation therewith, a toggle actuator lever between said body me aber and said clamping member, spring means interposed between said clamping member and said toggle member to effect yielding engagement between said body and clamping members to retain a garment therebetween, and substantially semi-circular complemental pivotal connecting means between said toggle lever and said body member to enable connection in one extreme pivotal position and permit separation in an opposite pivotal position.

4. In a garment engaging clasp, the combination with a body member, of a transversely extending flange formed on said body member, a clamping member having a transverse edge confronting said iiange for engaging cooperation therewith, a toggle actuator lever pivotally connected to said body member, a pin on said clamping member, there being an elongated slot in said toggle lever to receive said pin, and spring means in said elongated slot between said toggle lever and said pin to maintain said clamping member and said body member in yielding engagement responsive to actuating said toggle lever to retain a garment therebetween.

5. In a garment engaging clasp, the combination with a body member, of a transversely eX- tending flange formed on said body member, a clamping member having a transverse edge confronting said flange for engaging cooperation therewith, a toggle actuator lever having a transverse pin and contiguous surrounding semi-circular grooves, there being pin receiving open slots in said body member and semi-circular bosses contiguous therewith as complements of said toggle lever pin and semi-circular grooves for enabling pivotal connection and disconnection between said body member and toggle lever at different relative angular positions, and a yieldable pivotal connection between said toggle actuator lever and said clamping member to yieldingly engage said clamping member transverse edge against said` body member transverse flange responsive to actuating said toggle lever.

6. In a garment engaging clasp, the combination with a body member, of a transversely eX- tending flange formed on said body member, a clamping member having a transverse edge confronting said flange for engaging cooperation therewith, a toggle actuator lever having a transverse pin and contiguous surrounding semi-circular grooves, there being pin receiving open slots in said body member and contiguous semi-circular bosses as complements of said toggle lever pin and semi-circular grooves for enabling pivotal connection and disconnection between said body member and toggle lever at diierent relative anm gular positions, and a yieldable running pivotal connection between said toggle actuator lever and said clamping member to yieldingly engage said clamping member transverse edge with said body member transverse flange, said yieldable pivotal connection comprising a pin on said clamping member, there being an elongated slot in said toggle lever to receive said pin, and a spring in said elongated slot of said toggle lever to abut against said pin to normally urge the latter toward one end of said elongated slot and to permit displacement of said pin along said slot during clamping action of said clamping member toward said body member iiange responsive to actuating said toggle lever.

7. A clasp for fabrics and the like comprising relatively movable body and clamping members, and a toggle lever for moving said members into and out of clamping engagement with an interposed fabric therebetween, said toggle lever having a pivotal connection with one member and a yieldable running pivotal connection with the other member to engage said body and clamping members responsive to actuating said toggle lever.

8. A clasp for Vfabrics and the like comprising relatively movable body and clamping members, and a toggle lever for moving said members into and out of clamping engagement with an interposed fabric therebetween, said toggle lever having a pivotal connection with one member and a yieldable running pivotal connection with the other member, said yieldable running pivotal connection being movable in the longitudinal direction of said body and clamping members to effect their engagement.

9. A clasp for fabrics and the like comprising relatively movable body and clamping members, and a toggle lever for moving said members into and out of clamping engagement with an interposed fabric therebetween, said toggle lever having a pivotal connection with one member and a yieldable running pivotal connection with the other member with its axis in a plane parallel to the plane of said body member to engage said body and clamping members responsive to actuating said toggle lever.

10. A clasp for fabrics and the like comprising relatively movable body and clamping members, and a toggle member for moving said first named members into and out of clamping engagement with an interposed fabric therebetween, said tog-l gle member having a pivotal connection with said body member, said pivotal connection includingV a complemental pin and open groove on said toggle member and body member for enabling pivotal connection and disconnection between said toggle and body members at diierent relative angular positions.

ARTHUR WEIS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 673,023 Jorgenson Apr. 30, 1901 1,229,200 Mehlhope et al June 5, 1917 1,371,417 Girard Mar. 15, 1921 2,062,087 Cottrell Nov. 24, 1936 2,134,224 Brown Oct. 25, 1938 

